RIDGID Workshop Sanding Station

By Robert Robillard on Tool Reviews

Main_EB4424_web

Having a Dedicated Sanding Station in the Shop and on the Job-site

A day hardly goes by in the workshop when I don’t need to sand something. Whether it be parts before finishing or fine tuning a piece of trim, I’m always sanding something. A few months ago the nice folks at RIDGID sent me the RIDGID Oscillating Edge/Belt Spindle Sander Model # EB4424 and I’ve been using it like mad ever since.

Long time readers of A Concord Carpenter may remember that Rob reviewed this tool almost 3 years ago but it has been on the market since around 2006. 7 years is an incredibly long time in the tool industry and it speaks volumes to how good this tool really is.

Perfect Workshop Sanding Station

As I said, RIDGID sent this to me but in reality I asked for it. Like you guys I read tool reviews to figure out what will work best for my situation. The main reason I liked the RIDGID over other combination sanders is that it had the belt sander and spindle sander instead of the belt and disk combo. I just don’t have a lot of use for a disk sander but the oscillating spindle sander I use a lot. Another reason I chose this tool is because it has a large work surface but is relatively light and compact.

At only 40 pounds and only a 19″ x 24″ footprint I can move it around my small shop but not have it take up too much space either. I just don’t have the room (nor the cash) for one of the mammoth Jet or Delta oscillating belt sanders. They wouldn’t fit in my shop.

Features I love

Rob mentions darn near all of the features of his review, but I want to highlight some of my favorites.

First it has great on-board storage for all the parts. If you have a truck or tool trailer the front of the table folds down and locks to keep all of the small spindle parts secure.

Second, like I mentioned above it has a big table. Almost 4 square feet is more than any other spindle sander on the market.

Third, it has dust collection. Sanding makes a ton of fine dust but the collection works pretty well on this tool. Any excess is caught on the table and can be swept into the dust ports. And finally, it’s fast. If a guy isn’t careful you can remove too much material. Also it is really fast to switch belts. A flip of a lever reduces the tension and the next grit can be fitted with no additional adjustment.

Additionally, at only $199 this tool is a huge bang for the buck.

On the Job-site

This tool is a great addition on the job-site too. If you have a big tool truck or trailer it would be a great addition to your mobile tool arsenal. It would be easy to unpack it at the site and mount it to your site table.

I’m building a flip-top cart to hold both this sander and my lunchbox planer though so I won’t be taking this out on the job anymore. I really wanted some of its features on future sites so I built a jig around a corded belt sander. I picked another RIDGID because it has variable speed, good dust collection, and has good power. At $99 the price was easy to swallow too.

Sanding Jig Details

This jig is made entirely out of scrap materials. I used a piece of 3/4″ ply for the base, a piece of 5/8″ ply for the table and then a small scrap of 5/8″ ply for the bench cleat. You could use all 3/4″ or all 5/8″ if that’s what you had.

The thicknesses aren’t that important as long as they hold the dowels securely. I used a 4-1/2″ long piece of 1-1/4″ dowel and 7″ of 3/4″ dowel cut into two equal pieces. The dowels basically hold the sander in place on its side so I can edge sand. I use the left part of the table to get some benefit of a spindle sander as long as the radius of the curve isn’t too small. To use the whole width of the belt I hinged the table and use a piece of scrap to elevate the other end. It is by no means a replacement to the oscillating edge/belt spindle sander but it does a good job for space challenged folks like me.

Where to Buy

Both the oscillating sander and corded belt sander can be found at your local Home Depot or online at the links below.  RIDGID Oscillating Edge/Belt Spindle Sander Model # EB4424  and RIDGID 3 in. x 18 in. Belt Sander Model # R2740

RIDGID Deja-Vu

For the highly observant you can see the oscillating belt/spindle sander show up all the time in our Facebook and website pictures. It sits near the center of Rob’s shop and “photo bombs” new tool images

Rob sees a lot of tools in his shop and if they aren’t high quality or durable, they don’t last long. Just seeing it still in use in his shop after 3 years is about the best endorsement a tool can have.

 

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All posts by Robert »

Not what you're looking for?

Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like roof leak, bookcase, deck, etc to find your topic.

© Copyright 2019 A Concord Carpenter · All Rights Reserved